2012 Poetry Form Challenge

#23 Swannet

This form whilst not the creation of the Canadian poet, Gloria Carpenter, it became her trademark, being used in conjunction with her
elemental and avian photo studies in British Columbia.
It is a straight forward form comprising of 3 Envelope Stanzas or Italian Quatrains and a couplet referenced back to the first and last line of the first stanza.
The rhyme scheme is .A1. b. b. A2... c.
d. d. c... e. f. f. e...
A1. A2.

The meter is not specified but is usualy tetrameter (Envelope) or pentameter (Italan).

Enlightened

What could she do but radiate the light
with heaven's image mirrored at her feet?
Her legendary beauty rose to greet,
and thank the healing waters for the sight.
No sound was heard but whisper on the wing
as silence listened, sharing nature's bliss,
while waiting for the brush of feathered kiss,
to bless the hush serenity can bring.
Afloat on clouds, her elegance is drawn
in emblems of nobility and grace.
Her chariot transcended time and space
For it has reached the night where Deneb shone.
What could she do but radiate the light
and thank the healing waters for the sight.

Life is a mix of twists and turns I know
Where heart and mind are not always in sync
And either one can be changed in a blink,
At times we are not sure which way to go.
Yesterday's joy may be tomorrow's pain,
Or in reverse it's tears the future's bliss;
Love can be sealed or betrayed with a kiss,
It happens everywhere time and again.
Should we say yes or no, go left or right,
Do we go inside or do we stay out,
Should we trust freely or be wracked with doubt,
Will we encounter darkness or pure light?
Life is a mix of twists and turns I know
At times we are not sure which way to go.

Finally a gentle wind blows my cares away
It's changed to come from seaward now
To the cool welcoming breeze I now bow
And I welcome the coolerness at last today.
The birds become more alive and noisy.
The days heat moves towards black clouds
Somehow taking away thoughts of shrouds
Sitting back with my wine is far more easy.
The Christmas summer has no rewards
Schools are out and noisy kids are round.
All in Macdonald's now, here there's no sound
Leaning back, contemplating a thought or two.
Finally a gentle wind blows my cares away
And I welcome the coolerness at last today.

-----

Castles In The Air

As I fly alone along the avenue of clouds
I welcome the silence and the solitude
So close, to heaven at this altitude
With total absence of sound and crowds.
I feel a sense of awe, a change of mood
Looking up, I fly my craft along a street
Too high to far for a mere mortal feat,
First black then white, till blue is viewed.
The Gods look from their heavenly height
Smiling at a mere mortal looking up at them
That wish to fly they could never condemn
Not curious just amused by that simple sight.
As I fly alone along the avenue of clouds
With total absence of sound and crowds.

2

A wish to fly they had heard man mention
Smiling sometimes at the things men dare
As they look down from their castles in the air
Who has not heard their joy of ascension
They gave to birds and insects a gift rare?
Being human, that challenge I cannot meet
I've not the gift of wings and none to fleet
But the joy of man in flight they are aware
Being in a thermal, with a bird alongside
The more you circle, easier upwards you go
All the fields get small and smaller below
But under the cloud at last you end your ride.
A wish to fly they had heard man mention
Who has not heard their joy of ascension?

-----

Earths Pollution

See the world from space, lush and green
What man has done in the name of gain
Really means civilization has gone insane.
But down here the destruction is obscene.
We destroy forests to build new towns
Cars and trucks we drive pollute the air
But we carry on regardless without a care.
Acting like a bunch of painted clowns.
One day soon we will be asked to pay
It is not to late yet to make amends
A wise person watches what he spends.
Faced with the truth what will we say?
See the world from space, lush and green
But down here the destruction is obscene.

-----

Just For a While

Just for a while I knew heaven but it flew away
Like the birds we watched that were part of us.
Those heavenly sands have turned to dust,
Yet they carried our dreams every single day.
For a while sunsets were deeply coloured
Pain has robbed us of what was really true
And memory is now just a distorted view
Now misty and clouded no longer amoured.
For the sun has gone out of both our lives.
It's all gone, and our dreams are no more
We'll never again wade in the evening’s shore.
In my mind there's hope that love survives
Just for a while I knew heaven but it flew away
Yet they carried our dreams every single day.

-----

Karma

Our souls have been joined so many times
And even though now we are worlds apart,
We don't allow it to separates each heart
Realising up to now it has been sublime.
Our lives have always been ever joined
And we realise it was so ordained by fate.
You are my lover my souls eternal mate,
Like Siamese twins we're ever conjoined.
Sometimes, like now finally meeting
'Cause I know it is the same with you
this then must be our chosen lesson.
After we have spent our life searching
Our souls have been joined so many times
Realising up to now it has been sublime.

-----

Lady in Red

1

Watching her brush each flaming lock
There she sat framed in the firelight
Red hair highlighted a flaming sight
And Fate watching us did not mock.
Regretting deeds, this act did plan
Instead this night a gift would give
Whilst darkness ruled, love would live
And once again she would have her man.
Then with this oath Fate forever swore
For just one night, spirit would be flesh
Love would live and souls would mesh.
One night of darkness nothing more.
Watching her brush each flaming lock
And Fate watching us did not mock.

2.

As she rose and turned to wait my call
In spite of time I had to stop and look
That precious second was all it took
I realised why she was my all.
Tears of joy running down her face
She came to me with outstretched arms
I surrendered easily to her charms
That she offered me with loving grace.
Both accepting what was Fates gift
Mad in love, I kissed away her tears
An eternity of love with no fears
A memory that would not pass so swift.
As she rose and turned to wait my call
I realised why she was my all.

3

Kissing turning to red hot passion
As her red chemise fell to the floor
Her cries of joy, her wanting more
Our senses reeled in celebration
But even Fate must bow to time
And so everything must end
Human feelings can't transcend
That damned cockerel, dawns chime.
Not even dawn may we see fill
We may never enjoy it together
But our Ghosts will love forever
And for us this love fits the bill.
No longer sat framed in the firelight
Red hair highlighted a flaming sight.

-----

Presence In My Mind

You have become a presence in my mind.
I do not like it, for no longer is my mind free
Instead, my waking time is taken up with thee
My thoughts once controlled and simple kind
Now wander off in space, to leave me blind
And think of things that could pleasure thee,
Of the future, of love and of you and me,
The way our souls around each other wind.
Memories, the way we met and finally touched
Then when finally met, the way we learned.
Each touch, each kiss and tremble well earned
With promises, only souls could have vouched.
You have become a presence in my mind.
My thoughts once controlled and simple kind.

-----

Question About Christmas

I wonder if Australia is still a Christian country
Now that political correctness has begun
At our Christmas party stead of snow we have sun
What can be better than having a swim in the sea.
It has become everything I don't want it to be.
We have too many cultures they say's the excuse
We'll upset the Muslims, Buddhists and Jews.
Take away the their holiday bonus, then we'd see.
I'm at present in Malaysia, where Muslims rule
I'm singing with the carols, and looking at a tree
My hotel does this every year, in Penang you'll see
They really do love Christmas and think it's cool.
I wonder if Australia is still a Christian country
What can be better than having a swim in the sea.

-----

Reality

There is a silent song, soft as tear drops
Slow as the rain poised at my fingertips
Ready to be played in soft wordly snips
In words of beauty, that my muse just pops.
Such as morality, love and sexuality
Written out in verse under the same light
Whose touches only come in visions at night
And speaks one word to me, "Reality".
Then I talk to you and realise the truth
That is, that I have always loved you
And as a teenage boy I never knew
That love is better now than it was in youth.
There is a silent song, soft as tear drops
In words of beauty, that my muse just pops.

-----

Return to Normality

Dark sonorous clouds have returned again
And large droplets fall but only offer wetness
Vague threats of an end to years of dryness
Is nature just a tease where it stays the same.
The distant thunder rolls warning, “Prepare”.
Once again diamonds splatter on windscreens
Giving hope to all, and promises of dreams
But dreams are often dashed to those who care.
The noisy chatter of early morning rain
Silences the dawn chorus with promises vain
And now the world is cold as it should be
Perhaps at last we’ll see a return to normality.
Dark sonorous clouds have returned again
Is nature just a tease where it stays the same.

-----

Shining Light

Would'st thou again nestle by my fireside,
Needs that I be your beacon in the night
Your lighthouse, or your ever shining light.
Or would'st thou prefer in the dark to hide?
I offer you warmth in staying by my side
Warmth in which will our souls catch fire
And in my loving arms you will perspire
In preference to the cold that waits outside.
I will ever be your warmth and guiding star
Promising that I will love you ever more.
I will be the lifeboat that carries you to shore
Helping you in loves journey from afar.
Would'st thou again nestle by my fireside,
Or would'st thou prefer in the dark to hide?

-----

Unwanted Return

Once again winters misery has returned
And no more morning birdsongs can we hear,
And last week they called out loud and clear.
When last week promises of summer burned
Every winter’s day we prayed for rain
And we cast aside our winters layers
Now once again we sit round blazing fires.
But fickle nature decided to abstain.
Until spring we were promised drought,
But with spring it has bucketed down
With several floods in all parts of town
I suppose in reality we should not shout.
Once again winters misery has returned
When last week promises of summer burned.

-----

Values

I sit here and look at your photo again
I'm reminded of how my life has been
Until recent merely a poor love scene
You have taught me love has no strain.
Out of madness you've made me sane
My previous life had been so wrong.
Through you I now sing a different song
And now its strong, and there is no pain.
With absence I thought of pain and doubt
But I still hear and read your words daily
Where we talk and laugh and joke gaily
Unhappy on the days that we miss out.
I sit here and look at your photo again
You have taught me love has no strain.

-----

X Marks the Spot

Somewhere between not there and halfway
My life was like a parade and carried on.
Somewhere between half full and gone
Was a grey zone where I lived each day.
Somehow we met and then I went astray
And planned a future both could live upon.
Between then and now we saw the dawn
Leaving the moon, leading closer to our way.
Then once we met and found the truth
That we were ever one, and always be so.
Every time now I look at you and know
In future life we must meet in our youth.
Somewhere between not there and halfway
Was a grey zone where I lived each day.

-----

Your Touch

Do you feel my touch the way I feel yours?
You are like a flaming torch my senses burn
And there is nowhere that I can go or turn
Trying to hide in malls, stores even outdoors.
But its too late now, I have become inflamed,
It is not the heat that destroys, rather creates.
Like the Aussie bush it needs fire to procreate
And you are the cause, you have been named.
Back burning would not work, I admit defeat
I am engulfed with passion and amours flame
And realise that I can never be the same again
Having decided this time there is no retreat.
Do you feel my touch the way I feel yours,
Trying to hide in malls, stores even outdoors?

-----

Zenith

A perfume splash on ivory mounds,
Or between, or there, where blush wine
And colours melt swirling shapes divine,
Creating heartbeats and throbbing pounds.
Thighs brush, whispers, a deeper voice
Stockings discard, and scented winds drift
Across shimmering pools, in passioned shift
Moon glow colours become the loving choice.
There's a silent song, that's as soft as tear drops
Slow as the rain poised at my fingertips
Ready to be played in soft wordily snips
In words of beauty, that my muse just pops
Becoming a perfume splash on ivory mounds,
Creating heartbeats and throbbing pounds.

-----

Zenith Again

Lips shining brightly with a candle light gloss
And promising eyes, soft with loves capture,
Wish a lovers hand to be tiptoeing there,
Making goose bumps rise and on ribs emboss.
Then tickle belly sides, and soft spoke tips
Feather breath warmth, voiceless words
Spoken by those eyes with shining chords
Until final mews of pleasure from those lips.
But come the morn, a new thought will sound,
With that pleasure comes love refreshed withal
And a drought starved heart no longer in thrall
Welcomes a lover and how their hearts pound.
Lips shining brightly with a candle light gloss
Making goose bumps rise and on ribs emboss.

This night seems very strange all is still
There is no sound to silence but peace
No pent up thoughts within to release
What was once life is now void and nil
There is a greyness within dark clouds
Strange voices whisper thro` the trees
Within the silence of a drifting breeze
As darkness upon the night enshrouds
Gone is the hoot of the old tawny owl
No wild life left to call the right sound
No evidence at all or proof to be found
Not a thing here left of beasts or fowl
This night seems very strange and still
What was once life is now void and nil.

-----

Child of Wisdom

Borne unto nature a child of the east
Enhanced within of charm and grace
Glows within warmth of a pretty face
Shall never do harm to birds or beast
The binding bough that blossom red
Burst from buds that form a bouquet
The fruit of a cherry shall ever display
Crowned within beauty upon her head
Her gems sparkle of butterflies wings
That reflect the rays of a setting sun
Great wisdom has chosen her the one
For an eternity of love she shall bring
Borne unto nature a child of the east
Shall never do harm to birds or beast.

-----

Christmas Gremlins

Beware of the Gremlins on Christmas eve.
For mischief making is a part of their plan
They shall hide within wherever they can
For they are extremely hard to retrieve
It was they the thieves at Christmas tide
The Gremlins shall try to eat all your food
Mince pies and turkey and Christmas pud`
And blame it upon the children with pride
After they indulged upon a midnight feast
Only the truth shall outweigh all their lies
When they are soon discovered by surprise
For children are innocent to say the least
Beware of the Gremlins on Christmas eve.
For they are extremely hard to retrieve.

-----

Edwardian Diary

'Twas upon a monday when I first met him
I within my weekly laundry covered in suds
Presented me with a bouquet of rose buds
Though my attire was never neat and trim.
'Twas upon a tuesday that day was strange
He appeared again with a voice full of song
Then I thought there was something wrong
For his vocals appeared to be out of range
Wednesday he had brought me a cameo ring
For the rest of the blessed day he did linger
Trying to force what was tight on my finger
We had then agreed to be free of the thing
'Twas upon a monday when I first met him
Though my attire was never neat and trim.

-----

Just One Touch

I have waited an eternity for thy touch
For fear of vanity depraved me of love
Endearing thoughts had dwelt thereof
And love's passion thou spake of much
I can no longer contain what I once felt
The pleasure of sweet joy when kissed
For an eternity apart that was missed
The prediction of our future had dealt
Centuries past upon the winds of time
Once more we shall re-unite together
My vanity vanished and past it's prime
Pressed within dreams of love forever
I have waited an eternity for thy touch
And love`s passion thou spake of much.

-----

La Malaguena

When I close my eyes we are together
Though time has proven we both belong
Dreams that linger within our love song
May play softly notes of strings forever
Music shall bear the pleasure of romance
That vibrates within a loved ones heart
A crescendo as lovers shall play the part
That leads them home to a merry dance
The music that lingers shall always trust
Those that may seek within loving eyes
Let not this music be that of a surprise
Music be food for love then be it must
When I close my eyes we are together
To play softly notes of strings forever.

-----

Musical Experience

Within times passed when rhythm began
They had since invented gramophones
That was no real need for microphones
Through out the history of modern man
Simple types of instruments were used
Until future years came forward to cast
Opening the doors for a real loud blast
No need for electronics mind confused
Musical experiments down memory lane
Produced the loud strains of razamataz.
Worked like magic for the sound of jazz
But the crazy noise drove parents insane
Within times passed when rhythm began
Through out the history of modern man.

-----

Natalia Pushkin

Shalt not the kiss of affection be blessed
From a poet that had loved but then lost
His loving gesture fails and turns to frost
How much she would love to be carress'd
That he speaketh of in her wildest dreams
His pledge of love to be so softly spoken
To be his bride within a true lovers token
May not befall all his affection redeems
But his fame was short for a famous bard
Some say that his life had ended so cruel
In the name of love he was killed in a duel
For fate had dealt him his one final card
Shalt not the kiss of affection be blessed
How much she would love to be carress'd

Natalie Pushkina - By Vladimir Hau.

-----

Natural Charm

Lost in a fantasy of nature and charm
Upon silent dreams of a childs mind
That only vivid imagination shall find
Where dreams are ever pure and calm
She talks to the little birds that sing
Promises to be their friend forever
Friendship charms that shall not sever
The gifts of daisies from a fairy ring
That dance 'midst shades of a rainbow
Faeries weave thro' her magical spell
That only a child within play shall tell.
For her mystical myth shall ever flow
Lost in a fantasy of nature and charm
Where dreams are ever pure and calm.

-----

Ravenous Raven

Searching ever searching high in flight
Black are the eyes of a ravenous raven
Who flies from darkness unto a haven
Upon clear skies that projects the light
Ravens that seek prey with avid eyes
Shall master all within flight of speed
For victims caught are all he may need
He swoops with a caution for his prize
But what of the poor unexpected prey
How does he stand a chance to survive
For it is only the fittest that may thrive
Life`s survival has ever been that way
Searching ever searching high in flight
Upon clear skies that projects the light.

-----

Unrestricted Love

Love gives way to hovels and castles of Kings
Of poor men rich men begger men or thieves
There is no restriction their society achieves
Within pent up feelings that relieving brings
Whatever status we are all so much the same
Such are the emotions that remains within all
Of the meek the strong the short and the tall
Shall not powers of love be brought to shame
Love is akin to the strong waves of the ocean
That rise and swell within a crescendo tease
Relaxing the spirits of eternal lovers at ease
There is no restriction for blessed devotion
Love gives way to hovels and castles of Kings
Within pent up feelings that relieving brings.

Mermaid - Natacha Chohra

-----

Warmth of Passion

She feels a glow of warmth deep within
That gently flows with his touch sublime
Unto a passion that dwells within rhyme
Of his fiery passions that ever shall win
The language of his eyes that reveals all
Burns with a desire she shall soon know
How this turbulant sea of love shall flow
When the oceans breeze echo`s her call
Time itself cannot erase loves devotions
Forever they are what they shall ever be
Lovers that shall be lovers for an eternity
Deprived never within love and emotions
She feels a glow of warmth deep within
Of his fiery passions that ever shall win.

-----

Warmth Within

To feel the warmth from deep inside
From the touch of a beloveds hand
It is then that they shall understand
Deep affection they shall never hide
Those embers within shall never die
This is the feeling that lasts forever
Eternity of love that none may sever
Nor the sweet sound of a lovers sigh
Love is a harmony they shall cherish
Of treasured moments deep within
Mirrored deeply upon eyes therein
Showing more than both lovers wish
To feel the warmth from deep inside
Deep affection they shall never hide.

-----

Winter Light

Where were the rays of a hot summer sun
That melts the ice of a cold winter heart
Since natures season had been torn apart
When the warmth of love had just begun
The boughs shook off their leafless palms
Shroud in mist within a frosting of snow
So chilly the cold winters breeze can blow
Where was the touch of a lover that calms
Is it she who shall have to wait until spring
For melting moments shall never go amiss
Nor shalt the blessings of a summers kiss
With breathless sigh's that love may bring
Where were the rays of a hot summer sun
When the warmth of love had just begun.

Imagine you and I sat hand in hand
Or walking side by side where're we go
Lingering smiles reveal feelings we know
With no one else to please but love's demand.
It's more than attraction between us two,
The connections made in a higher place
Where whispers of desire trip and trace
And thoughts of love become the nat'ral view.
We're lost to powers found in wild romance
All those imaginings of love now real
Yet words cannot express the way we feel,
As passions melt so quickly in a glance.
Imagine you and I sat hand in hand
Or walking side by side where're we go.

-----

Man of Stars

A charming gentleman has passed away
This man of wisdom and beguiling charm
Has left this world without the trails of harm
Yet we shall not grieve nor weep today.
For when we look upon the stars above
And see the moonlight shimmer on the ground
We'll hear him speak about mysteries found
Recalling how the stars were his true love.
I'll think of him in gentle ways not terse
When star-filled skies are now a humble sign
His name is on my list of souls divine
And his heart is one with the universe.
A charming gentleman has passed away
Yet we shall not grieve nor weep today.